Ramirez Open To Extension With Dodgers
LOS ANGELES (CBSLA.com) — Shortstop and stand-out slugger Hanley Ramirez is a year and a half away from possible free agency -- but the former All-Star has announced that he is open to discussing an extension with the Los Angeles Dodgers.
Ramirez, who has 142 plate appearances at the break this season, has recovered from thumb surgery during an injury he sustained during the World Baseball Classic during the offseason.
After three starts with the Dodgers, Ramirez, who is hitting .386/.444/.693 with eight home runs, injured his hamstring running the base paths at AT&T Park in San Francisco.
Ever since returning to the club in early June, however, he seems to have regained his form following two disappointing seasons.
Ramirez had signed a six-year, $70 million extension with the Marlins in 2008, which included the 2009-14 seasons.
Meanwhile, the Dodgers, who are guaranteed to spend at least $122 million on payroll each year through 2017, are also looking to extend Ace pitcher, Clayton Kershaw, who leads the majors in ERA (1.93) and WHIP (0.91).
In addition, Corey Seager, who is ranked as the third-best prospect in the Dodgers farm system, according to the Baseball America Prospect Handbook, is batting .302 with eight homers and 43 RBI with the club's single-A affiliate.
Seager, 19, may experience a move, however, to third base soon, opening the possibility for Ramirez to occupy the shortstop position long-term.
